You see it from the US-60 heading east—that massive, anvil-shaped rock thrusting out of the Superstition Mountains like a giant’s iron left out to cool. It looks impossible. Honestly, from the parking lot of Lost Dutchman State Park, it looks like something you’d need ropes and a death wish to scale. But the Flatiron via Siphon Draw Trail is doable, provided you don't underestimate the sheer physical toll it takes on your quads and your ego.
People talk about this hike like it’s just another "hard" trail. It isn't. It’s a vertical scramble that turns into a full-body puzzle about halfway up. You aren't just walking; you’re hoisting, gripping, and occasionally praying.
The First Two Miles are a Total Lie
The hike starts at the Siphon Draw trailhead. For the first mile or so, you’re basically on a scenic stroll through the Sonoran Desert. It’s pretty. You’ve got your saguaros, your jumping cholla (keep your distance), and a very manageable incline. You might even think, "Hey, I’ve got this."
Don't be fooled.
Once you cross the wilderness boundary and enter the Tonto National Forest, the grooming stops. The trail narrows. Rocks replace the dirt. You’ll eventually hit the "Basin"—a massive, smooth rock amphitheater carved by thousands of years of water runoff. This is Siphon Draw. If it’s rained recently, this slickrock is basically a giant slip-and-slide. Even when dry, the angle is steep enough that you’ll want shoes with actual grip, not those old sneakers you use for mowing the lawn.
Where the Real Flatiron via Siphon Draw Trail Begins
Most people stop at the Basin. That’s a 4-mile round trip, and it’s a solid workout. But if you’re reading this, you probably want the summit. To get to the Flatiron, you have to climb out of the back of the Basin.
This is where the "trail" becomes a suggestion.
There are no official markers here, though you might see some white or blue paint dots on the boulders if you look closely. The path goes straight up a rocky drainage. It’s a 60% grade. To put that in perspective, it’s steeper than almost any section of the Grand Canyon’s Bright Angel trail. You’re going to gain about 2,000 feet of elevation in just over a mile.
The Wall and the Way Up
About 500 feet from the top, you’ll hit the "12-foot wall." It’s a rock face that looks like a dead end.
- The Right Side: Usually the easiest. There are some decent foot-holds, but it still requires some upper body strength.
- The Left Side: There’s a tree here. Some people use the branches for leverage. Kinda sketchy, but it works.
- The Bypass: If you look to the far left before you reach the wall, there’s a narrow, steep dirt path that snakes around it. It’s loose and crumbly, but it avoids the vertical climb.
The view from the top is, frankly, ridiculous. You can see the entire East Valley, the Goldfield Mountains, and even the Four Peaks in the distance. You're standing on a volcanic remnant that’s roughly 25 million years old. It’s a weirdly flat, grassy plateau that feels like a different planet compared to the jagged cliffs you just climbed.
Survival is a Choice: Logistics and Reality
Let’s talk money and time. As of 2026, Lost Dutchman State Park charges $10 for a single-occupancy vehicle or $20 for a car with 2-4 people. They take cards, but the machines are occasionally moody, so bring cash just in case.
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Water is non-negotiable. I’ve seen people trying to do this with a single 16oz plastic bottle. That is a recipe for a helicopter ride you can’t afford. You need at least three liters. The desert air is incredibly dry, and once you start the scramble, your heart rate is going to stay in the red zone for an hour or more.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Starting too late: If you aren't at the trailhead by 7:00 AM, you’re doing it wrong. In the afternoon, the sun hits the western face of the Superstitions and turns the canyon into a convection oven.
- Following the wrong "social trail": There are dozens of false paths created by lost hikers. When in doubt, stay in the main drainage. If you find yourself on a narrow ledge overlooking a drop, you probably missed a turn in the rocks.
- Ignoring the weather: If there’s even a 20% chance of rain, stay home. Siphon Draw is a literal drain for the mountain. Flash floods here aren't a joke; they’re a wall of water and boulders.
Beyond the Flatiron
If you still have gas in the tank, you can keep going past the Flatiron to Peak 5024 (Ironview Peak). It’s another few hundred feet of climbing, but the crowds disappear. There’s also a memorial up there for a plane crash that happened decades ago—a sobering reminder of how rugged these mountains actually are.
Coming down is actually harder than going up for a lot of people. Your knees will be screaming. The "butt slide" is a legitimate hiking technique on the slickrock sections near the Basin. Embrace it. You’ll look ridiculous, but you’ll keep your skin.
Practical Next Steps for Your Hike:
- Check the Wind: The Flatiron is a literal cliff edge. If the forecast calls for gusts over 25 mph, the summit can be dangerous.
- Pack Salty Snacks: Water alone won't save you if your electrolytes tank. Pretzels or salt tabs are mandatory for the 5-7 hours you'll be out there.
- Download Offline Maps: Cell service is spotty at best once you enter the canyon. Use an app like Gaia GPS or AllTrails and download the map before you leave the house.
- Wear Gloves: Cheap hardware store gloves with rubber palms will save your hands during the boulder scrambling. The volcanic rock is sharp and stays hot.
The Flatiron via Siphon Draw Trail is a rite of passage for Arizona hikers. It’s grueling, it’s beautiful, and it’ll make you feel every bit of your age the next morning. Just respect the mountain, stay hydrated, and watch your footing on the way down.